Hurricanes Increasing Focus on Florida State
Aug. 30, 2009
CORAL GABLES, Fla. – Just eight days prior to the team’s 2009 season-opener, the University of Miami football team held an afternoon practice in shells Sunday at the Greentree Practice Fields.
With the opener set for a week from Monday at Florida State on Labor Day night, the Hurricanes are slowly transitioning their attention from training camp work into FSU game preparation. The team worked for just under two hours.
“Most of the time as coaches, you probably say `hey, I can’t wait for (the season) to get started’,” head coach Randy Shannon said. “Then when you are closer to the game, you are still always looking for more time to get prepared.
“At this point in time, the physical work has been done. There is competition in practice and getting guys to understand what to do offensively, defensively and on special teams has been handled.”
Temperatures held steady in the lower 80’s with overcast skies throughout and a passing shower early in the session.
The `Canes will return to the practice fields Monday morning.
Jacory Harris Post-Practice
After Sunday afternoon’s practice, several players met with the members of the media to discuss how practice is going with the opener just over a week away. Sophomore quarterback Jacory Harris was among the group that was made available. He discussed a number of topics, including the development of quarterback A.J. Highsmith, the progress of wide receiver Leonard Hankerson and the upcoming season-opener at Florida State.
On the season opener at FSU – It kind of snuck up on us. Just last night, me, Marcus (Forston) and Sean (Spence) were all in the room together talking about how (the opener) kind of came up on us. We’ve just been into practice, concentrating on what is at hand.
On a possible distraction around last week’s QB transfers – It’s not really a distraction. Those are two good quarterbacks. They are good friends; I wish them well and hope they do well wherever they go. But at the same time, you still have to understand things like that happen and you’ve got to prepare for obstacles throughout the year that you may have to overcome…we are going to go out there and perform. It’s not really a distraction on our part.
On any added pressure with less depth behind him at the quarterback position – I’m not worried about that right now. We’re just trying to get better as a team. Pressure comes with anything you do. I feel like the pressure last year is going to be the same type of pressure this year. You’ve just got to go out there and perform.
On junior wide receiver Leonard Hankerson – I feel like Hank has stepped up to the plate. He has found himself in that leadership role. Last year he wasn’t one of the veterans…and this year he is the oldest receiver and he (knows) he has to step up and be more accountable. I feel like things like that make somebody better.
On freshman quarterback A.J. Highsmith – I really didn’t have to (give him advice) after a week. He was up there every day, watching film, learning the plays and doing things in order to get better. He has learned everything pretty quickly. He has caught on. I really didn’t have to help him anymore. A.J. is a good quarterback…somebody I love to have.
Post-practice notes
Sunday’s practice was Miami’s third since the start of classes this past Wednesday.
The session lasted just under two hours.
Temperatures held in the lower 80’s with overcast skies and a brief rain shower at Sunday afternoon’s session.
The team will return to practice Monday morning.
The season-opener at Florida State is eight days away.
Jason Fox to be Featured Weekly on Sporting News Today
University of Miami offensive tackle Jason Fox is among 18 college football stars who’ll write weekly diaries throughout the season in Sporting News Today, the world’s first digital daily sports newspaper. The diaries, which will cover topics on the field and off it, begin this week. To sign up for the free digital newspaper, which is no fewer than 30 pages a day, go to sportingnewstoday.com. At 7 a.m. ET each day, subscribers are sent an e-mail directing them to that day’s edition.
Hurricane Hotline on 560 WQAM
Hurricane Hotline made its debut two weeks ago on 560 WQAM. The weekly two-hour show hosted by Joe Zagacki and Don Bailey, Jr. will air from 7-9 p.m. every Thursday night from The Sports Exchange (45 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables, Fla. 33134; Phone: 305-774-1222). Hurricane Hotline features interviews with UM head football coach Randy Shannon, players, coaches and other UM personnel as well as other featured guests. Fans are encouraged to listen on 560 WQAM or view the show in-person at The Sports Exchange every Thursday night except the night of the Georgia Tech football game.
TV Appearances
Miami has already has been selected for three national television appearances, beginning with the Sept. 7 opener at Florida State (ESPN). Additional games chosen for national telecasts are the Hurricanes’ home opener against Georgia Tech on Thurs. Sept. 17 (ESPN). Miami’s game at UCF will air on CBS College Sports at 7:30 p.m. on Sat. Oct. 17.
For `Canes Tickets
Single-game tickets for University of Miami home football games are on sale. Ticket prices for all games begin at $19 and can be purchased via www.HurricaneSports.com, www.ticketmaster.com or at the Miami Hurricanes Ticket Office located at the Hecht Athletic Center on campus or by calling (305) 284-2263. Individual game tickets are also available at Ticketmaster outlets including select F.Y.E. and select Simon Malls, The Mall at Wellington Green and Dolphin Mall. To charge your individual game tickets by phone, call 1-800-745-3000. To purchase season tickets starting as low as $99, Club Level or Executive Suite Memberships, call 1-800-GO-CANES or purchase your seats on-line at www.HurricaneSports.com.
